Commercial Building Repairs: Three Critical Problems to Consider during Inspection

Commercial buildings are designed to ensure exceptional performance and longevity of the business space after construction. However, these structures are not infallible. In simple terms, the building can experience significant structural problems and failures due to issues such as harsh climatic conditions and poor initial construction. If the building is not repaired in time, the entire commercial structure could fall apart, and the safety of the occupants could be compromised. Therefore, you should perform regular inspections of your commercial buildings. This practice will help you identify underlying issues and perform appropriate repairs before escalation. Here are the most critical problems that you should look for during your inspection. 

General Structural Issues

You should examine your building on a regular basis and make sure that there are no weaknesses in the general structural elements. You should be diligent in checking the condition of the walls, floors, roof and ceilings. These structures can sustain damage due to the stress of regular usage, adverse weather conditions and mechanical impact. If they deteriorate, your building could become unsafe for occupation. Also, the property could lose its visual appeal and decline significantly in value. Early detection can help you avoid these detriments. Typical indicators of general structural issues include leaning walls, cracks, sagging ceiling and bulging floors.

Moisture Damage

Commercial buildings are designed and built to resist damage from moisture in the general surroundings and the ground. However, the waterproofing measures can fail prematurely due to poor initial installation or unexpected accidents. If this is the case in your building, you will notice rising damp problems. In simple terms, the moisture will be drawn into the walls from the ground due to capillarity. Immediate repairs are necessary to prevent the moisture ingress from causing the rotting and general degradation of the structure. The common signs of rising damp include water stains, mould growth and deposition of minerals.

Subsidence Problems

Subsidence problems are common in commercial buildings because these structures are massive. In general, these issues occur when the bearing soil which supports the building begins to move from the desired position. The movement of the ground can be attributed to the condition of the soil and changes in moisture content. If the problem is not addressed in time, you will notice significant cracks in the building and the foundation could fail. 

Commercial building inspection and repairs can be challenging without professional expertise. Therefore, if you are concerned about the condition of your structure, you should engage an experienced construction engineering contractor for assistance.


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